Tonsil Stones Treatment: Home Remedies, Surgery

Tonsil stones don't pose a serious problem to our health, but they result in bad breath and sore throat. If you are someone struggling with this, don't worry! Read along to learn how to cure this.

Tonsil Stones

Tonsil stones are complex white/yellow formations located on the tonsils. These stones don't cause serious health problems, but they trouble a lot. These stones feel like something is stuck in our throat, which can cause difficulties when swallowing something and even ear pain. Bad breath is also caused by tonsil stones, as mentioned earlier.

Usually, our tonsil contains many tunnels and crypts which help trap many viruses, bacteria, fungi, etc., to stop them from reaching our immune system. Sometimes, these tunnels trap additional substances such as food, dead cells, etc.; eventually, Calcium builds around them. Then it becomes a Tonsil Stone.

How to identify Tonsil Stones?

You may have Tonsil Stones, but you don't know it. That may grow into a big one in the future and cause trouble. Here are some symptoms that may be noticed when they grow in size −

• White/yellow dots at the back of the throat

• Bad breath

• Sore throat

• Ear pain

• Tonsil Swelling

Why are Tonsil Stones formed?

How they are formed is known, but we don't know why. To be clear, the reason behind this has yet to be entirely understood. Biofilm is a material that makes up tonsil stone. Biofilms are a collection of microorganisms. These microorganisms comprise our mouth's bacteria and those coming from outside. Such as those from the foods we consume daily. This mixture gets attached to the moist surface and gets hardened. It then becomes a tonsil stone.

Many factors contribute to the formation of Tonsil Stones. Those include −

• Poor dental hygiene.

• Large tonsils.

• Chronic tonsillitis.

• Chronic sinus issues.

How to remove Tonsil Stones if you have one?

Almost all Tonsil Stones don't cause much harm, but you may want to remove them because of their side effects. Most of these stones can be treated at home and don't require complex medical procedures. Here are some home remedies to cure tonsil stones −

• Gargling − Gargling vigorously with salt water is one of the most effective techniques to reduce throat discomfort and bad breath. Take ½ teaspoon salt in about 250 ml warm water, and gargle.

• Coughing − Coughing is also an excellent technique to get rid of tonsil stones. Tonsil stones are felt by coughing only; rigorous coughing can help loosen tonsil stones.

• Manual Removal − This method is risky. Removal of stones using a sharp object can cause great harm. Manually removing stones can cause bleeding and even infection. If you want to remove it manually, use a water pick or toothbrush. In some cases, minor surgeries may be required if stones cause much pain or grow more significant than average.

• Non-Alcoholic mouthwash − Tonsil stones may be gently unfastened, and the number of germs may be reduced in a month by using non-alcoholic mouthwash.

• Low-Pressure Irrigator − Tonsil stones can be broken up with a water flosser. The user must point the device toward the tonsil stones while standing in front of a well-lit mirror. When freeing up those stones, rocks can fall back to the back of the throat. This method should not be tried on children, as this can cause a choking hazard.

• Apple cider vinegar gargle − Gargling with dilute ACV can help break down the materials in the tonsil stones. Mix one tablespoon of ACV with one cup of warm water. Gargling with this 2-3 times a day can loosen stones and produce great relief. Using ACV has its risks. These risks include problems of digestive issues and tooth decay.

  Some medical procedures can be performed to remove tonsil stones. Here are some medical procedures to know of −

• Tonsillectomy − This is a surgical procedure to remove tonsil stones. This method uses different instruments such as a scalpel, laser, or coblation device. Doctors recommend this procedure only when there is a severe case, and many methods have been used with no results.

• Antibiotics − These medicines are recommended by doctors to those suffering from this. Antibiotics lower the bacteria counts that play an essential role in developing tonsil stones and growing them even further.

• Coblation cryptanalysis − This laser operation helps smoothen up the crevices that trap all the particles that cause tonsil stones. Before performing this procedure, doctors use local anesthesia. Laser treatment causes less pain and has a shorter recovery time.

Complications of Tonsil Stones

Complications are rarely developed from tonsil stones. Tonsil stones generally cause bad breath but can also cause halitosis, leading to tooth decay. Large Tonsil stones can do quite some damage to the tonsil tissue. It can lead to swelling, infection, and inflammation. Big tonsil stones linked to diseases require surgery.

How do persons who have tonsil stones fare?

Tonsil stones very rarely cause complications, and they are a widespread problem. People with this problem should maintain their dental hygiene and stay hydrated throughout the day. If there is some complication, then don't hesitate to get in touch with doctors for assistance.

How to Prevent Tonsil Stones?

While avoid developing tonsil stones, the following actions should be taken −

• Regularly brush and floss. Pay particular care to clean your tongue's front and rear.

• Give up smoking.

• Following each meal, gargle with salt water.

• Keep yourself hydrated all day.

How long do these stones last?

Tonsil stones eventually fall out. Some stones may be coughed out and then swallowed by the individual. If the stone is getting more significant daily, it is very much advised to speak with a doctor for help.